Japanese food is renowned for being one of the world's best cuisines, but it is actually comprised of a variety of different regional cuisines. This vibrant and optimistic prefecture of Hiroshima, for example, has its own distinctive food culture, with a wealth of local delicacies to enjoy.
There are so many options for what to eat in Hiroshima, including the famous layered savory pancakes known as okonomiyaki and cold tsukemen noodles that come served with a dipping sauce. Hiroshima Prefecture is also one of the top sake-producing regions in the whole country. To get inside tips into Japanese culture and explore the region's culinary scene, consider joining a Hiroshima food tour with a local guide.
Here, we give our top recommendations for food tours to join on your trip to Hiroshima. They’re fantastic opportunities to connect with local people, discover more about Japanese cooking and food culture, and maybe even learn some new skills to take home with you! From elegant tea ceremonies to seafood-rich cruises and nighttime food adventures, there’s something for everyone.
6 best Hiroshima food tours
Here are some of the best food tours in Hiroshima that we highly recommend:
- Ultimate Hiroshima Food Tour
- Seto Inland Sea Leisure Cruise and Food Tour in Hiroshima
- Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Miyajima
- Miyajima Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, and Kimono Experience
- Food Tour Adventure in Hiroshima at Night
- Hiroshima bike tour and okonomiyaki dinner
1. Ultimate Hiroshima food tour
Start off your exploration of Hiroshima with the Ultimate Hiroshima Food Tour. Led by an English-speaking guide, you’ll discover more about not only the city’s food culture, but also its talented local artistry, welcoming personality, and vibrant downtown area.
Stopping at four different foodie locations, you’ll have the opportunity to try several different classic Hiroshima dishes. These include the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, tsukemen dipping noodles, plus an inventive Japanese dessert at a traditional dessert shop. There's also the chance to scope out the city’s sprawling shopping arcades for unique souvenirs and local snacks.
This tour is a fantastic introduction to local Japanese dishes like Hiroshima-yaki, while also showcasing the city’s vibrant and optimistic outlook by letting you see Hiroshima through the eyes of local shop owners, chefs, and craftspeople. You’ll never look at the city in the same way again!
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2. Seto Inland Sea leisure cruise and food tour in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is perfectly situated beside the stunning Seto Inland Sea, which is home to over 700 islands and renowned for its fantastic ocean views. The Seto Inland Sea Leisure Cruise and Food Tour in Hiroshima is one of the best ways to enjoy this breathtaking part of the prefecture while also sampling delicious local delicacies.
During a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise around the beautiful waters of the Seto Inland Sea, you'll tuck into a lunch of either fresh oysters or an anago (eel) rice bowl – two locally-sourced Hiroshima specialties. Then, for dessert you’ll visit a traditional momiji manju (autumn leaf steamed bun) shop for a taste of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) that’s truly representative of Hiroshima. These cake-like treats are shaped like maple leaves and filled with delicious sweet red bean paste – the perfect end to your Hiroshima food tour!
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3. Traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Miyajima
The traditional tea ceremony is a significant part of Japanese culture and no Japan trip would be complete without experiencing one! Miyajima Island, home to the ethereally beautiful Itsukushima Shrine, is the perfect location to enjoy this art form, just a quick ferry ride from Hiroshima city.
Dressed in a gorgeous Japanese kimono, you can learn all about the ritual of Japanese tea ceremony and how to prepare and serve matcha green tea from an English-speaking instructor during a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Miyajima. Made from high quality powdered tea leaves, matcha produces a rich and frothy green tea that boasts a wealth of health benefits. On top of which, the atmospheric surroundings, traditional utensils, and sublimely crafted teaware will all help you fully immerse yourself in the refinement of the performance.
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[Editor's note: This experience is not currently available for booking.]
4. Miyajima tea ceremony, calligraphy and kimono experience
This is the ultimate experience for those who want to fully immerse themselves in Japanese culture. The Miyajima Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, and Kimono Experience combines three traditional activities, and takes place at a 300-year-old temple on the bewitching Miyajima Island.
First, you’ll dress up in an elegant Japanese kimono, before taking part in an authentic tea ceremony where you’ll learn the ritual of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) in ceramics that are made locally on the island. Then, it will be time to practice the art of calligraphy using traditional brushes and ink to write your choice of kanji character, plus your name in the Japanese alphabet.
With Miyajima conveniently located just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima city, this tour makes an ideal day trip from the prefectural capital!
Book the Miyajima Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, and Kimono Experience >>
[Editor's note: This experience is not currently available for booking.]
5. Food tour adventure in Hiroshima at night
Explore the city after dark on an exciting Food Tour Adventure in Hiroshima at Night. Join your English-speaking tour guide for a night on the town, discovering the Hiroshima city’s vibrant night scene through food.
The evening begins with shopping at the famous Hondori street, before delving deeper into the area’s maze-like alleys and backstreets. Here, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of over 10 local Hiroshima foods – such as fresh seafood, tempura, and grilled snacks – in a casual dinner spread across three different venues. A drink is also included at each stop, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, and your host will help you out if you have any dietary requirements.
This is a Japanese food tour that will keep you both entertained and well-fed as you discover the very best of Hiroshima at night!
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6. Cycle through Hiroshima and enjoy an okonomiyaki dinner
Make the most of Hiroshima's open space and plentiful greens with a memorable bike tour through the city, guiding you to iconic landmarks like Hiroshima Castle and Peace Park while teaching you all the most interesting facts about Hiroshima’s peace initiatives and postwar reconstruction. This is a 2-hour experience worth making time for in your day!
After you’ve worked up an appetite, take a seat at a local restaurant for a regional specialty: Hiroshima-yaki. This local twist on the well-known okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancake) uses batter that's been prepared and chilled in advance, creating a uniquely smooth texture that only gets better as its stuffed with your chosen fillings.
Find out more: 6 Must-Try Restaurants in Okonomimura: Hiroshima’s Okonomiyaki Village
Whether you're exploring the scenic Miyajima Island or want to delve into Hiroshima's urban attractions, don’t miss out on Hiroshima Prefecture's rich and exciting food culture along the way. Be sure to book your Hiroshima food tour to make your trip as delicious as it is fun and connect with locals and travelers alike. And for the lowdown on the must-eat Hiroshima foods, we recommend reading What to Eat in Hiroshima or (for plant-based travelers) our Hiroshima Vegan Guide.
Browse all of our food experiences in Hiroshima to discover even more tours and cooking classes!
